History Day: The Stone Age

Following the English National Curriculum in history, we have been learning about the Stone Age. We have looked at how the Stone Age was a time in history where early humans used tools and weapons made out of stone, going back 3.4 million years ago. The Stone Age itself is divided into three periods: the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic.

The Paleolithic period lasted from the first use of stones until the end of the last Ice Age. The Mesolithic period followed on from the last Ice Age to the start of farming, and the Neolithic period lasted from the start of farming to the first use of metal. The term ‘lithic’ comes from the Greek word ‘lithos’ meaning stone. We looked at photos of real artefacts and settlements found, dating back to the Stone Age as well as some photographs of amazing cave paintings. We had a great discussion about the colours they used as well as the type of paintings they created. We were all fascinated by them.

Our ‘History Day’ followed on from our lesson on cave paintings. The children walked around the school and gathered: twigs, leaves, berries, flowers, olives, soil, anything that could be of use for them to recreate their own ‘cave paintings’ in their art blocks. The children made their own paintbrushes with the materials they collected and let their imaginations run wild, back to the Stone Age, producing some amazing results. It was an incredibly creative, fun day where children were allowed freedom to express themselves through Mother Nature. Here are some photos from that day:

From an educators point of view, when children are allowed such freedom in a structured environment, they never seize to amaze with the creativeness they show.A parent said “My child has not stopped talking about History Day, I wish more lessons could be as fun as this for the children.” The children themselves thoroughly enjoyed this day and some said that it was their best day ever.

It was such a successful day, that I could not refrain from sharing it.

So the challenge is on! How can all learning be as fun as this?

All knowledge is connected to all other knowledge. The fun is making the connections! – Arthur Aufderheide